Automated facilities look to WCS for traditional WMS functions

Warehouse control systems are gaining favor in some highly automated distribution centers to handle tasks traditionally in the realm of warehouse management systems, notes Modern Materials Handling. "If the WCS is going to make decisions about what to pick and release, better that it speaks directly to the voice system, the sorter, the packing stations and the shipping sorters. It's a new model for directing order fulfillment, and I think it's exciting for our industry,” says Bob Trebilcock.